California State Board of Food and Agriculture to Discuss Considerations of Small and Mid-Sized Farms on Feb. 1

The California State Board of Food and Agriculture will hear from agricultural stakeholders on the considerations for defining small and mid-sized farms for policies and programs at the state level. The Board will also hear presentations on California’s Water Plan Update 2023 and a recent study related to the state’s fourth climate change assessment focusing on the San Joaquin Valley.  The meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 1, 2022, from 10:00 a.m. –  2:00 p.m. via GoToWebinar.
 
Meeting Link:  https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5076762265343948814

Webinar ID:     620-771-107
           
“Our state’s small farm community is a vital and integral part of California agriculture,” said CDFA Secretary Karen Ross. “As policies and programs are developed at the state and local level, considerations for small-scale farms must incorporate equity, recognize vulnerability, and promote engagement. Small farms are at the forefront of providing local and healthy foods to our schools and communities.”
 
Invited speakers include: Director Karla Nemeth, California Department of Water Resources; Angel Santiago Fernandez-Bou, UC Merced; Gary Keough, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service; Jim Houston, California Farm Bureau Federation; Paul Towers, Community Alliance with Family Farms (CAFF); Ruth Dahlquist-Willard, UC Cooperative Extension – Small Farm Advisor; Anja Raudabaugh, Western United Dairies; Reggie Knox, California FarmLink; Danielle Veenstra, Almond Board of California; Daniel Sumner, UC Agricultural Issues Center and other invited speakers.
 
“California’s agricultural diversity is not only the variety of crops we produce or the methods of production but is also about the size of operations,” said President Don Cameron, California State Board of Food and Agriculture. “Allowing farmers and ranchers to be successful in addressing climate challenges and accessing resources, along with technical assistance, to produce sustainable food is a goal we all share. Small farms need assistance and resources, just like all farmers and ranchers across the state.”
 
The California State Board of Food and Agriculture advises the governor and CDFA secretary on agricultural issues and consumer needs. The Board conducts forums that bring together local, state and federal government officials, agricultural representatives, and citizens to discuss current issues and concerns to California agriculture.
 
This meeting will have simultaneous audio translation in Spanish and can be accessed at (844) 460-0074 at the start of the meeting.
 
Follow the board on twitter at: www.twitter.com/Cafood_agboard